AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00167
The MEB also identified and forwarded posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a medically acceptable condition for PEB adjudication.The Informal PEB (IPEB) adjudicated “chronic back pain”as unfitting, rated 10%,with likely application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The remaining condition was determined to be not unfitting. The Board notes that the PEB psychiatric statement dated 30 November 2006, a month prior to separation, specifically stated that the CI’s...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00229
The single voter for dissent (who recommended a separate left knee 20% and right knee 10% rating)submitted the appended minority opinion.In the matter of the contended asthma, LBP and OSA conditions, the Board unanimously recommends no change from the determinations as not unfitting.There were no other conditions within the Board’s scope of review for consideration. The AO therefore recommends that each joint be separately rated as follows: an unfitting left knee condition coded 5010-5258...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00262
PreSeparation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Sarcoidosis, first interphalangeal joint, bilateral great toes, s/p fusion5099-500220%Sarcoidosis with Residuals, Right Great Toe5299-528410%20030829Sarcoidosis with Residuals, Left Great Toe5299-528410%20030829Scar, s/p Great Toe Interphalangeal Joint, Right780410%20030829Scar, s/p Great Toe Interphalangeal Joint, Left780410%20030829No Additional MEB/PEB EntriesOther x 020030829 Combined: 20%Combined: 40%Derived from VA Rating...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00263
VA -Based on Service Treatment Records(STR)*CodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Pain [and Surgical Residuals], Both Wrists... The Board’s initial charge in this case was therefore directed at determining if the PEB’s combined adjudication was justified in lieu of separate ratings.To that end, the evidence for the bilateral wrist, bilateral shoulder, and bilateral knee conditions are presented separately; with attendant recommendations regarding separate unfitness, and separate ratings...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00323
The PEB adjudicated the right CTS, and the chronic pain, neck and right kneeconditions as two unfitting conditions, rated 10% and 10%, with application of the Veteran’s Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD),and the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The remaining conditions were determined to be not unfitting.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated with a 20% disability rating. Results of this EMG recorded mild bilateral CTS, chronic on left and...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00353
On physical therapy (PT) examination, 4 April 2004, the CI reported pain in knee and lower leg to be constant, worse with weather.Gait was normal; range-of-motion (ROM) of the knee was recorded as flexion 125 degrees with no swelling and negative knee tenderness. The VA rated the condition at 30% coded analogously 5010-5262 (impairment of tibia with marked knee disability) based on painful limitation of flexion/motion.The Board noted with greatinterest the rating assigned by the VA given...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00365
SUMMARY OF CASE : Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was a Reserve HM3/E-4 (HM3/Field Medic) medically separated for bilateral knee pain with bilateral synovectomies. Post-SeparationConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bilateral Knee Pain with Synovitis s/p Synovectomies5099-500310%Left Knee Internal Derangement526140%200803075099-500310%Right Knee Internal Derangement526140%20080307 Left, Lateral Meniscus Tear, Status Post...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00368
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated chronic left heel pain, s/p posterior calcaneal decompression as unfitting, rated 10%, with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appealsand was medically separated. The Board acknowledges the CI’s contention that his medical condition should have been determined to be combat related. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00378
The CI was then medically separated the CI with a 10% disability rating. By precedent, the Board threshold for a “moderate” peripheral nerve rating requires some functionally significant motor and/or sensory impairment.After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board concluded that the chronic low back pain w/ radicular pain left leg condition should be rated for two separate conditions; an unfitting low back pain condition...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00385
While the CI experienced radiating pain, this is subsumed under the general spine rating criteria, which specifically states “with or without symptoms such as pain (whether or not it radiates).”There was no motor impairment present on any exam that could be linked to functional deficit or limitation of specific physical requirements. RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows; and, that the discharge with severance pay be recharacterized...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00399
The MEB forwarded cervical spine injury with compression fracture of C5 and left rib contusions, compression fracture T3/T4 & T10, retropatellar pain syndrome (RPPS), PTSD, right knee and idiopathic hypertension conditions, identified in the rating chart below. The VA ratings of the CI’s conditions were adjudicated by the VA rating decision (VARD) of 2005 which applied retroactive ratings IAW the VASRD effective prior to September 2003 and used the service treatment record (STR). At the VA...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00424
He was issued a permanent L3 profileandreferred for a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB).Cognitive disorder; personality change due to concussive head injury; depressive disorderand anxiety disorder conditions, identified in the rating chart below, were also identified and forwarded by the MEB.The Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) adjudicated the muscle Group XII shrapnel and fasciotomy injury with residual muscle fatigue/lack of endurancecondition as unfitting, rated 20%, with application of the...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00432
SEPARATION DATE: 20050308 RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows and that the discharge with severance pay be recharacterized to reflect permanent disability retirement, effective as of the date of his prior medical separation. Providing orders showing that the individual was retired with permanent disability effective the date of the original medical separation for disability with severance pay.
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00445
The bipolar condition, characterized as bipolar disorder, Type I was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEBadjudicated bipolar disorder as unfitting, rated 30%,with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), and placed the CI on the TDRL.After 24 months on TDRL, a PEB adjudicated bipolar I disorder as unfitting, rating it 10% with application of the VASRD. On mental status...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00462
The Board first considered the MEB and C&P examinations. The examination documented a normal ROM, normal neurological examination, a well healed scar, and absence of spasm. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination, as follows:
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00466
Asthma . The CI continued to be symptomatic despite his maximal medical regimen.At the MEB exam on 30May 2001, approximately 4months prior to separation, the CI reported some improvement in his SOBbut that he still required a pre-exercise rescue inhaler, often needing to halt PT and required additional rescue inhaler use throughout the day. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX President Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00468
The Board noted the improved ROM on C&P exam 5 years after separation, and opined this to represent improvement of the condition with time and treatment.After discussion, the Board agreed that the limitation of motion of the spine at the time of separation was moderate(flexion to 20 inches from floor is about 50-55 degrees) and would support a higher rating of 20% under code 5292.The Board considered rating under code 5293, intervertebral disc syndrome. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44,...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00494
He reported upper back pain, neck pain and occipital pain after the MVA. CRPS was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW SECNAVINST 1850.4E.The MEB also identified and forwarded three other conditions(see rating chart below) for PEB adjudication.The Informal PEB(IPEB) adjudicated “chronic regional pain syndrome”and a related failed back surgery syndrome as unfitting, rated 20%, with likely application of the Veteran’s Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00500
The conditions determined to be not unfitting by the PEB, the drug and alcohol dependence and anoxic brain injury conditions,were sufficiently implied in the application to meet the DoDI 6040.44 scope requirements and are also addressed below. Mid-thoracic Back Pain . The CI reported that he continued to have “significant pain” in his mid-thoracic spine.
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00514
He was issued a permanent L3 profile andreferred for a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB).The MEB forwarded no other conditions for Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) adjudication.The PEB adjudicated the chronic LBPcondition as unfitting, rated 10%, with application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated with a 10% disability rating. SLRs were negative for radicular signs and lower extremity strength, reflexes and sensation...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00515
The back, wrist and chest conditions, characterized as “chronic low back pain,”“right radial wrist pain status post radial artery ligation” and “chronic anterior chest wall pain secondary to atrial septal defect repair,” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The MEB also identified and forwarded four other conditions (right patellar tendinitis, migraine without aura, conductive and sensorineural hearing loss and decreased night vision in the right eye), as well...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00524
The MEB also forwarded right shoulder pain, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hypercholesterolemia, identified in the rating chart below, as not disqualifying.The Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) adjudicated the chronic LBP conditionas unfitting, rated 10% with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions were determined to meet retention standards and therefore to be not unfittingand not ratable.The CI made no...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00542
Army PEB – dated 20010925 The PEB combined the two leg pain conditions into a single unfitting condition characterized as: “Chronic leg pain due to bilateral stress fractures.” The condition was coded 5099-5003, and rated at 0%. After due deliberation, the Board determined by majority decision (2:1 vote) that the evidence does not support a conclusion that each of the leg pain conditions, separately, would have rendered the CI unable to perform his required military training.
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00551
SEPARATION DATE: 20011005 The left knee condition was forwarded, as the sole submission, to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW SECNAVINST 1850.4D.The PEB adjudicated “severe degenerative arthrosis of the left knee, Status-Post (s/p) revision left anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction”as unfitting, rated 10%, with presumptive application of theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals, and was medically separated. xxPresident Physical...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00572
The chronic pain, right wrist status post (s/p) fracture and retropatellar pain syndrome (RPPS) bilateral knees conditions were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.ThePEBadjudicated chronic pain, right wrist and bilateral knees as unfitting, rated 10%,with cited application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals, and was medically separated. Other x 520030307 Combined: 10%...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00582
The CI was removed from TDRL, and medically separated with a 10% Service disability rating. At that time, he was working 35 hours per week, and was enrolled in college. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent they were inconsistent with the VASRD in effect at the time of the adjudication.The Board did not surmise from the record or PEB ruling in this case...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00589
(2) is limited to those conditions which were determined by the PEB to be specifically unfitting for continued military service or, when requested by the CI, those conditions “identified but not determined to be unfitting by the PEB.”The ratings for unfitting conditions will be reviewed in all cases.Any conditions or contention not requested in this application, orotherwise outside the Board’s defined scope of review, remain eligible for future consideration by the Army Board for Correction...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00590
Both the PEB and VA used invalid font number 31502 the invalid font number 31502 spine rules in effect at the time of separation invalid font number 31502 to rate the LBP condition invalid font number 31502 ; these criteria changed invalid font number 31502 2 months invalid font number 31502 after separation invalid font number 31502 , as noted above invalid font number 31502 .The MEB NARSUM exam contains ROM measurements and forward flexion is recorded as “ full forward flexion to greater...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00609
The FPEB adjudicated the previous conditions as it had before (chronic LBP and saphenous nerve palsy, left as unfitting, rating 20% and 0% respectively) and also adjudicated “Left knee pain due to retropatellar pain syndrome” as unfitting and rated at 0%. The VA coded the condition 8727 and rated 10%. Under the authority of Title 10, United States Code, section 1554(a), I approve the enclosed recommendation of the Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR)...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00613
SEPARATION DATE: 20030522 The aortic insufficiency (AS) with chest pain syndromewas forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501 and no other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated the heart condition as unfitting, rated 10%, with application of the VASRD.The CI made no appeals, and was medically separatedwith thatdisability rating. Providing orders showing that the individual was retired with permanent disability effective the date of the original...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00618
The low back condition, characterized as “spondylolisthesis (grade I),” “bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (S1) and “degenerative disc disease L5-S1,”was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) In accordance with (IAW)AR 40-501.The MEB forwarded no other conditions to the PEB.The PEB adjudicated “chronic low back pain with injury”as unfitting rated at0%. In the matter of the LBP condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends a disability rating of 20%, coded...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00620
The PEB adjudicated the bilateral foot pain and bilateral hallux valgusconditionsas a single unfitting condition, rated 10%, with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions were determined to be not unfitting.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The VA rated the bilateral foot condition separately as hallux valgus, coded5280, at 10% for each foot for a combined rating of 20%. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44,...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00629
The left knee PCL tear condition could not be adequately rehabilitated to meet the physical requirements of his Military Occupational Specialtyor satisfy physical fitness standards.Hewas placed on limited duty andreferred for a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB).The MEB forwarded left knee PCL tear, surgically treated; left knee chondromalacia of the medial femoral condyle, surgically and medically treated; and left knee effusion, medically and surgically treated for Physical Evaluation Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00637
The MEB forwarded “Ganglion Cyst, Right Foot and Ankle,Status Post(S/P) Excision” and “Painful Keloid, Right Foot and Ankle” to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. The PEBadjudicated “Right Ankle Pain Secondary to a Hypertrophic Keloid Scar (10X 1 cm), S/PGanglion Excision” as unfitting, rated 10%with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The commander’s statement indicated that the CI had made limited progress and the persistent pain...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00667
As mentioned for the knee, gait was normal.The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB’s 0% rating was supported by the USAPDA pain policy; and, no VASRD §4.71a foot codes which are applicable to this pathology specifically offer a 0% rating. Physical Disability Board of Review I have reviewed the enclosed Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR) recommendation and record of proceedings pertaining to the subject...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00668
Right Ankle Condition . However, the VARD dated 29November 2002, cited this examination noting findings of swelling, tenderness and pain with use and motion. The VA rated the condition 20% under diagnostic code 5284 (other foot injuries,moderately severe)based on the VA C&P examination.The ankle ROM examinations recorded by the MEB examination and the orthopedic surgeon demonstrated normal motion symmetric with the opposite ankle.
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00687
The examiner opined that increasing the current prophylactic medicationwould result in better control, but was wary to do so as CI was attempting pregnancy at time and that medicine might be unsafe.New prophylactic and abortive medications were begun.On 16 December 2002, the CI noted her headaches to be improved on medication.There are no further entries in the treatment record until 6 February 2003,2 months prior to the narrative summary(NARSUM) and 6 months prior to separation, when the CI...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00695
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated “multiple stress reactions/healing stress fractures”as unfitting rated20%,with likely application of Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions,left cuboid stress fracture, bilateral medial tibial plateau stress fracture and right femoral shaft stress fracture, were determined to be Category II (contributing to unfit condition). Bone scan on 22 August 2001 demonstrated healing stress...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00696
The CI was then medically separated. The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB’s 10% rating was based on a combined 7319 code (IBS) and analogous 7323 code (ulcerative colitis).The VA assigned a 60% ratingunder an analogous 7323 code for Crohn’s disease deemed to be “severe; with numerous attacks a year and malnutrition, the health only fair during remissions.” However, the VA additionally assigned 10% for separately rated irritable bowel...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00701
The CI was using pain medications for severe headaches. At permanent separation the PEB rated the migraine condition at 10% coded as 8100.The VA continued the previous 30% rating of the migraine condition. She took an anti-inflammatory medication as needed.Reflexes and strength were normal, no specific back exam was documented.At the C&P exam, the CI’s back was not re-evaluated.The chronic left upper back pain and left knee pain conditions werenot profiled; the RAD(asthma) condition was...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00705
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – 20020313VA -Based on Service Treatment Records(STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Degenerative Disc Disease at L5-S1 with a History of A Herniated Nucleus Pulposus529310%Degenerative Disc Disease5293NSC*STRChronic Low Back PainCat II--No Additional MEB/PEB EntriesNo additional VA entries Combined: 10%Combined: NSCDerived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20030908 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). That role and authority is...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00718
The InformalPEB (IPEB) adjudicated the left hip pain as unfitting, rated 10%, with cited application of the Veteran’s Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining (right) leg pain condition was determined to be CategoryII (conditions that contribute to the unfitting condition).The CI made no appeals and was medically separatedwith a 10% disability rating. Under any appropriate VASRD code, the disability evaluation would result in a 10% rating as granted by the PEB. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00721
The chronic LBP was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain Unfitting Condition . SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation for AR20130012156 (PD201200721)I have reviewed the enclosed Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR) recommendation and record of proceedings pertaining to the subject individual.
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00732
Lumbar spine films, 13November 2001, were normal except for an increased lordotic curve.Despite treatment, the CI’s right hip pain persisted and she developed left hip pain.At the MEB exam, 4 February 2003, approximately 5 months prior to separation, the CI reported bilateral hip pain, right greater than left. Bilateral hip ROM was normal. The Board opined that the evidence in the record supports that at the time of separation the right hip pain was an unfitting condition.The first...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00741
Not Service Connected x 4 Combined: 20% *Initial rating of 0% for left tibia stress fracture increased to 10% based upon appeal by CI and records review by VA ANALYSIS SUMMARY : Chronic Bilateral Leg Pain Secondary to Chronic Bilateral TibialStress Fractures Condition . To that end, the evidence for the chronic left and chronic right leg pain conditions are presented separately with attendant recommendations regarding separate unfitness and separate ratings if indicated.The Board first...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00742
CI CONTENTION : The CI writes:“The degree of pain and suffering related to disc conditions that have caused chronic pain condition. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent they were inconsistent with the VASRD in effect at the time of the adjudication.As discussed above, PEB reliance on the USAPDA pain policy DoDI 1332.39 for rating chronic neck pain was...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00745
In the matter of the low back condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends no change in the PEB adjudication.There were no other conditions within the Board's scope of review for consideration. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, DAFPresidentPhysical Disability Board of Review I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00754
5299-5295Chronic Upper Back Pain with Scoliosis5299-529010%20020510 The physical examination section of this exam is not in the record of evidence (see analysis summary above), but it is referenced in the VA rating decision (VARD) of 19 August 2002 which notes a ‘slight limitation of motion with tenderness of the muscles of the upper back’.The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence. SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00757
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD1200757BRANCH OF SERVICE: ArmyBOARD DATE: 20140225 Coronary artery disease (CAD) . Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00788
In an addendum to the MEB dated August, 2001 approximately 8 months prior to separation, the physician who performed the last surgery, stated that on his exam done about 11 months prior to separation, the CI had mild impingement and “near full range-of-motion of the right shoulder”and no pain, although she reported “activity-related subacromial bursitis type symptoms with aching.”The physical exam at the time of the addendum by the orthopedic provider, documented ROM as flexion to 90...